Showing posts with label paranormal romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paranormal romance. Show all posts

28 April 2015

Happy Book Birthday! DRAGONS ARE PEOPLE, TOO

Happy Book Birthday to Sarah Nicolas, whose paranormal YA, DRAGONS ARE PEOPLE, TOO releases today! This one sounds like so much fun. I can't wait to read it!! 

Never judge a dragon
by her human cover...

Sixteen-year-old Kitty Lung has everyone convinced she’s a normal teen—not a secret government operative, not the one charged with protecting the president’s son, and certainly not a were-dragon. The only one she trusts with the truth is her best friend—and secret crush—the über-hot Bulisani Mathe.

Then a junior operative breaks Rule Number One by changing into his dragon form in public—on Kitty’s watch—and suddenly, the world knows. About dragons. About the Draconic Intelligence Command (DIC) Kitty works for. About Kitty herself.

Now the government is hunting down and incarcerating dragons to stop a public panic, and a new shape-shifting enemy has kidnapped the president’s son. Kitty and Bulisani are the last free dragons, wanted by both their allies and their enemies. If they can’t rescue the president’s son and liberate their fellow dragons before getting caught themselves, dragons might never live free again.

Read the first chapter and get more info at Entangled Teen's homepage! Follow along with the blog tour for excerpts, reviews, and an awesome giveaway!

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Signed Print Copy


About the Author

Sarah is a 30-something YA author who currently lives in Orlando, FL. She believes that some boys are worth trusting, all girls have power, and dragons are people too.

She's a proud member of the Gator Nation and has a BS in Mechanical Engineering, but has switched careers entirely. She now works as an Event Coordinator for a County Library. She also blogs at YAtopia.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads

15 January 2014

Cover Reveal: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION by Toni De Palma


I've always said I have the most talented Pitch Wars team ever. Team Magic is truly magical! On Friday, I'll post the first of a series of interviews with my team, so you can get to know the magicians behind the sparkle. But for now, I'm both proud and excited to have this chance to share with you the brand-new cover of Team Magic alternate, Toni De Palma's upcoming novel: THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION (book two in the Devil series)! 

THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION by Toni De Palma (Crescent Moon Press) - Release date 14 March 2014

05 November 2013

EVADE Blog Tour and Book Review


I loved Jessa Russo's debut novel, EVER, so of course I jumped at the chance to be a part of the blog tour for book two in the series, EVADE.

The Goodreads Blurb:
In this thrilling sequel, Ever Van Ruysdael's race to beat the odds—and the clock—begins with the introduction of an integral part of her past. As secrets are revealed, and truths uncovered, she learns her imminent death is the least of her problems: Ariadne did more than just put an expiration date on her life; she marked Ever's soul by upping its value for greedy collectors looking to buy their freedom.

Condemned by the countdown on her life, and hunted by hired Seekers, Ever’s journey leads her to question everything she’s known and everyone she’s trusted, while growing closer to the one person from her past she was determined to avoid—and the one guy she never could—Toby James.

With her ex-boyfriend by her side, and the countdown clock rapidly ticking away, Ever tries thwarting fate’s plans. But as her nineteenth birthday approaches, and desperate Seekers follow her every move, she may be too late.

A marked soul is hard to come by … and even harder to escape.


I was thrilled to see Toby come back for book two! Frankie may be a good guy and Ever's best friend (and secret love) since forever, but Toby totally stole my heart. His genuine love and concern for Ever made my little heart flutter and put a giant smile on my face, and I really wanted Ever to choose him in the end of book one. So I was over-the-moon excited to see that Toby gets a second chance at love in EVADE.

My favorite part of the story was the total twist ending that I did NOT see coming... but I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for you. ;) You'll just have to read EVADE to find out what happens for yourself! (I can't wait to see how it ends in book 3!!)

In the meantime, I'm super excited to have Toby here on my blog today to answer some questions!! 

When did you know you were in love with Ever? What was it about her that first caught your attention?

I think it was a combination of her big brown eyes and her awkwardness. Something about how nervous she was around me, like I was the first guy to ever pay attention to her, and how easy it was to make her cheeks flush . . . I was hooked almost instantly. I can’t tell you exactly when the lines blurred, when she became more than just a job; I just woke up one day and the lines were blurred. I had to be with that girl.

So, obviously, your job comes with its ups and downs. I'm an optimist, so first, let's focus on the ups. What is your favorite thing about being a Soul Collector?

I hate being a soul collector, hate that my life hasn’t been normal in I don’t know how long. But, I guess, if I have to find one thing I like about the gig, I’d say that I help people, and that’s pretty cool. They may not want help, or even know they need it, but I help them move on. That’s got to be worth something.

It's really a tough job, isn't it? I admire you for the way you keep going, even though it gets unpleasant. What’s the worst part of being a Soul Collector?

The downside to helping people move on: hurting their loved ones. It would have destroyed Ever if I’d taken Frankie from her. I couldn’t do it. I haven’t worked since.

That's got to be rough. *Sniffles* 

Okay, let's try a question that's a little bit more fun. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you, and why?

Ever, obviously . . . a cheeseburger, and my cell phone. So I could have food delivered whenever we were hungry. Or maybe I’d just have a personal chef instead of a phone, since there’s probably no service, right? Plus, that way we could eat whatever we want, then be left alone.

That sounds pretty amazing. You probably wouldn't even mind being stranded! 

Okay, last question: Describe your perfect day. 
Well, right now you have me picturing a deserted island with nothing but sand and sun and Ever Van Ruysdael, so that sounds about right. Leaving all of this drama behind us and just getting to be us again . . . that would be perfect.

I guess I should have known that. *grins* 
Can I have my mustang on that island, too? 

Sure! Why not? I think you deserve it. Thanks so much for visiting with us!!

Now, do you see why I'm so in love with Toby? He's pretty amazing, and Ever is lucky to have someone so sweet and charming. (Not to mention, totally hot!)



You can learn more about EVADE (or buy the book) here:
  Blog Tour ScheduleGoodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
 
And if you haven't read EVER yet, check it out here:
  Amazon | GoodReads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Media Kit

An unashamed super fan of all things paranormal romance, Jessa Russo reads, writes and breathes paranormal YA, rarely straying from her comfort zone. When not writing or reading--or raising the coolest kid ever--Jessa enjoys making memories with her amazingly supportive family and friends, while secretly planning her next trip to New Orleans. She will always call Southern California home, where she lives with her husband and daughter, and a Great Dane who thinks he's the same size as his cranky sister, the Chihuahua.


13 September 2013

Cover Reveal: EVADE by Jessa Russo

As you know, I loved Jessa Russo's debut novel, EVER. So I'm thrilled to be a part of the cover reveal for book two in the series: EVADE! Isn't it pretty??


Cover Photo: Face On By Tamara Website | Facebook | Twitter
Cover Design: Blue Sky Designs / Michelle Johnson Illustrations Website 
The official blurb:
In this thrilling sequel, Ever Van Ruysdael's race to beat the odds—and the clock—begins with the introduction of an integral part of her past. As secrets are revealed, and truths uncovered, she learns her imminent death is the least of her problems: Ariadne did more than just put an expiration date on her life; she marked Ever's soul by upping its value for greedy collectors looking to buy their freedom.


Condemned by the countdown on her life, and hunted by hired Seekers, Ever’s journey leads her to question everything she’s known and everyone she’s trusted, while growing closer to the one person from her past she was determined to avoid—and the one guy she never could—Toby James.


With her ex-boyfriend by her side, and the countdown clock rapidly ticking away, Ever tries thwarting fate’s plans. But as her nineteenth birthday approaches, and desperate Seekers follow her every move, she may be too late.


A marked soul is hard to come by … and even harder to escape.
 
I can't wait to read it! I'll be participating in the official EVADE blog tour, when the book is released, posting a review on Tuesday 5 November 2013.


EVADE'S LINKS:

JESSA RUSSO'S LINKS:

GRAB A COPY OF EVER: Book One of The EVER Trilogy!

01 September 2013

Happy Release Day, EVER!

Happy Release Day, EVER*! 

To celebrate EVER's rebirth, and Jessa Russo’s first step into the indie self-publishing world, she is giving you the first chapter of EVER for FREE! Yup! FREE! You can read along, decide if you want more, then click on one of the buy links below to grab a copy for yourself! *Paperbacks available soon!

Check out the FREE first chapter HERE

*Note: You may remember this book from the review I posted HERE. I'm excited to see that the re-release will include bonus material from Toby, my favorite character!! (Yay!! I can't wait to read it!)


We're also having some fun on Twitter (details below), and Jessa has also compiled TWO prize packs of super awesome stuff! There will be one (1) lucky winner in the US, and one (1) lucky winner Internationally! Want to know what we’re giving away? 



***GIVEAWAY FUN!***

The winner(s) will receive the following items:


US ONLY Prize Pack (ONE winner):
Set of 4: custom Frankie4Ever / Toby4Ever Coasters (2 of each) + Signed EVER bookmarks +
Signed paperback copy of EVER by Jessa Russo (YA)
Complete set* of The Darkness Falls Trilogy e-books from Krystal Wade (YA)
*Includes WILDE'S FIRE, WILDE'S ARMY and WILDE'S MEADOW
Signed paperback copy of EYRE HOUSE by Cait Greer (NA, adult content)
Paperback copy of THE CHARGE by Sharon Bayliss (YA)
Paperback copy of SEALED WITH A CURSE by Cecy Robson (A, mature content)

INTERNATIONAL Prize Pack (ONE winner):
E-book of EVER by Jessa Russo (YA)
Complete set* of The Darkness Falls Trilogy e-books from Krystal Wade (YA)
*Includes WILDE'S FIRE, WILDE'S ARMY and WILDE'S MEADOW
E-book of THE CHARGE by Sharon Bayliss (YA)
E-book of BROKEN FOREST by Eliza Tilton (YA)
E-book of THE VALENTINE CHALLENGE by Marisa Cleveland (A, mature content)
E-book of THE GATHERING DARKNESS by Lisa Collicutt (YA)
E-book of 1,000 SLEEPLESS NIGHTS by Connie Michael

ENTER HERE:
a Rafflecopter giveaway | a Rafflecopter giveaway



***TWITTER FUN!***


We're also going to be tweeting a bit today, to celebrate not just EVER's re-release (hashtag: #EVERTrilogy), but also playing up a major theme of the book--Ever's love for her deceased best friend. We'll be tweeting the theme with the hashtag #IfICouldBringBack and then sharing who we would bring back and why, or what we'd do with them, etc.

So, sticking with EVER as my example, the main female character of the series may tweet something like this:

#IfICouldBringBack Frankie, I'd finally tell him the truth. That I've loved him since we were in diapers. #EVERTrilogy 

Who would you want to bring back? An old flame? A relative? Maybe a famous author or dignitary? Think about it and join in the fun on Sunday, 9/1/13! We'll see you on Twitter!



***BOOK DETAILS!***

EVER
The EVER Trilogy, Book One 
By Jessa Russo
September 1, 2013

Seventeen-year-old Ever’s love life has been on hold for the past two years. She’s secretly in love with her best friend Frankie, and he’s completely oblivious. Of course, it doesn't help that he’s dead, and waking up to his ghost every day has made moving on nearly impossible. 

Frustrated and desperate for something real, Ever finds herself falling for her hot new neighbor Toby. His relaxed confidence is irresistible, and not just Ever knows it. But falling for Toby comes with a price that throws Ever’s life into a whirlwind of chaos and drama. More than hearts are on the line, and more than Ever will suffer.

Some girls lose their hearts to love. 
Some girls lose their minds.
Ever Van Ruysdael could lose her soul.


Jessa Russo's Links:



Stay tuned for the second book in the trilogy, EVADE, set to release on October 1st, 2013! 
You can now add EVADE on Goodreads!





Remember to follow EVER's 9/1/13 re-release day FUN on Twitter with these hashtags: 


#EVERTrilogy
and 
#IfICouldBringBack



15 May 2013

Book Review: THE ART OF WISHING by Lindsay Ribar


THE ART OF WISHING by Lindsay Ribar is one of those rare books that I was waiting to read for months before it was actually published. I saw the blurb for it on Goodreads, and it caught my attention strongly enough to push it up toward the top of my "to read" list. So I was thrilled when a review copy arrived in the mail a day or two before the publication date. Of course, when you're anticipating a book like this, there's always the fear that it won't live up to your expectations. I'm happy to report that this one didn't disappoint.

Margo McKenna has a plan for everything. She knows exactly how she wants her senior year of high school to go, from getting the lead in the school play to getting accepted into the best colleges. When a genie grants a wish, derailing Margo’s plan, her orderly life falls apart. And when Margo suddenly finds herself in possession of the magical ring that gives its wearer control over the genie, she’s not so sure she wants to use her wishes. Even if the genie is someone as cute as Oliver Parish, the sophomore who is taking pictures of the play rehearsals for the yearbook.

As Margo and Oliver grow closer, she discovers that he’s being stalked by a man intent on destroying all genies, and only Margo can save Oliver’s life. But it will take more than just three wishes.

There were plenty of typical paranormal romance clichés sprinkled throughout the book, such as the instalove that sprouts between Margo and Oliver almost at first meeting. However, Ribar gives us a new twist on the three wishes tale, adding an element of mystery and intrigue with the murderous subplot. Girls who want a hint of romance, with a healthy dose of mystery and a few thrilling twists and turns will enjoy Margo’s story.



*Note (spoiler alert - stop reading now if you don't want me to tell you how it ends!!):





06 March 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES by Rachel Harris

I'm so excited to be part of the big cover reveal for A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES by Rachel Harris!! I absolutely loved the first book (MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY), and I'm anxiously waiting to read book two!


Alessandra D’Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.
One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat’s Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen…until she meets the infuriating—and infuriatingly handsome—surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in…and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she still can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she’s come to love?

If you haven't yet read MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY, go read it now. (Well, you can wait until you finish reading this blog post. Because once you start reading, you won't want to put it down. You'll love Cat and Alessandra!)

Anyway, without further ado, here is the absolutely gorgeous cover for
A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES:
 
And here's a scene from the novel:
 
Austin pushes the red and black Jet Ski into the water, past the first few crashing waves, then throws a leg over the side. He turns to me, extending an upturned palm, but as I watch the water pound against his legs, I slowly shake my head and inch away. Forget the confusion of the past few minutes or my concern if riding wrapped around Austin is appropriate…are jet skis even safe? So far, my experience with modern machines has taught me that they travel at terrifying speeds. What if I were to accidentally let go and fly off? I don’t know how to swim!

Austin’s face gentles and he curls his fingers, coaxing me closer to the watery death trap. “I’ve got you, Alessandra,” he says. “I promise nothing’s gonna hurt you. You can trust me.”

The sardonic guise he hides behind drops for just a moment, but it is enough.

I say a quick prayer and place my hand in his.

With my legs straddling the seat, my arms wrapped tightly around Austin’s firm stomach, and my chest and face pressed against his back, I do not need the extra layer my wetsuit provides. I am quite warm without it. Under me, the engine rumbles. Austin grabs my clasped hands, ensuring my death grip. And then we are flying. 

Fear is left behind me on the beach. My laughter is swallowed by the wind. And I hold onto Austin. The rest of the world falls away as he powers the machine forward. Whistling sound envelops us yet there’s also silence in the midst of the roar. Out here, there’s no room for worrisome thoughts about the future or about the past. No time for concerns over when I will return or how much I miss my family. In this bubble of Austin, wind, and water, all I can do is live and breathe and smile.

Austin spins us in circles and then we fly straight ahead, free as the winged creatures overhead. He bounces us over a swell and a spray of water splashes my face, tickling the skin left exposed from my wetsuit. I squeal, and under my clasped hands, I feel his taut stomach muscles shake with laughter. Then he takes off again in another sharp turn, racing in the opposite direction of which we came. Excitement has me screaming, asking him to go faster. I close my eyes against the sting of the salty air and the lash of my hair and tilt my head back, feeling more uninhibited than I ever have before.

More free, more alive…just more.
 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for one print copy of A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES (US only) and an e-copy of A TALE OF TWO CENTURIES (open international)!!
 
 
 
As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.
When she's not typing furiously or flipping pages in an enthralling romance, you can find her homeschooling her two beautiful princesses, hanging out with her amazing husband, or taking a hot bubble bath…next to a pile of chocolate. A Tale of Two Centuries is her second novel. 

05 March 2013

Book Review: EVER by Jessa Russo


 I'm so excited to be a part of the review blog tour for Jessa Russo's YA paranormal romance, EVER!

I read EVER for the first time back in November, while I was busily engaged in the month of Doing It All, where I decided to prove that I was insane by taking on more than any one person could reasonably accomplish in a month. In the midst of all this craziness, I won copies of EVER from TWO different contests (I kept one copy and let the other one go to another lucky winner). I told myself that I could read it as soon as November was over, as my reward for making it through the crazy month. (You can have a chance to win a copy of your own now! Just click here.)

But I couldn't wait to read it. December was simply too far away... And so my to-do list sat idle while I spent a full day curled up on the couch with EVER and a cuddly blanket. Because I'd been waiting to read this book since I first read the blurb, and I didn't want to wait another moment. (Here is the blurb. Can you blame me for being excited?)
 
 Seventeen-year-old Ever’s love life has been on hold for the past two years. She’s secretly in love with her best friend Frankie, and he’s completely oblivious.

Of course, it doesn't help that he’s dead, and waking up to his ghost every day has made moving on nearly impossible.

Frustrated and desperate for something real, Ever finds herself falling for her hot new neighbor Toby. His relaxed confidence is irresistible, and not just Ever knows it. But falling for Toby comes with a price that throws Ever’s life into a whirlwind of chaos and drama. More than hearts are on the line, and more than Ever will suffer.

Some girls lose their hearts to love.

Some girls lose their minds.

Ever Van Ruysdael could lose her soul.
 
 

Although Frankie felt like he was stuck in the fifties, with his pompadour hairstyle, blue-jeans-and-tight-t-shirt clothing and his ever-present cigarette, the way he cared for Ever made my little heart go pitter-pat.
 
And the "hot new neighbor" Toby had so much more going for him than his sexy smile. As I got to know him better, I found myself totally rooting for him to win Ever's heart. I almost never go for the "bad boy," but in so many ways, I could see how Toby was the better match for Ever - and not only because he was the only boy in this love triangle who was actually alive.
 
This book was totally a "guilty-pleasure," fun read for me. (It reminded me of Somewhere, Tomorrow - a 1983 Sarah Jessica Parker movie that I used to love when I was a kid.) However, it does contain some sex, so it's probably not suitable for young children.
 
LINKS:
 
 
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:
 
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Love & Life & Learning (That's me!!)
 
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